Download Emergency App to Help During Weather Emergencies

Thu, August 20, 2015

Mother Nature is causing all kinds of trouble across the country with extreme heat, flash flooding and wildfires affecting millions of people. The American Red Cross urges people to download the Red Cross Emergency app to help them stay safe and connected during severe weather and other threats.

The all-inclusive Emergency app combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe. This latest app from the Red Cross provides information about what to do in case of floods, thunderstorms, hot weather, tornadoes, wildfires and more. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Some of the many features of the app include:

The emergency alerts are available for the user’s location and to monitor where friends and family live.

Users can turn alerts on and off to fit their situation.

A single map provides shelter locations and weather information.

Users can easily toggle between English and Spanish.

Information is included on emergency first aid for situations such as heat-related emergencies and water safety for lakes and beaches.

The app covers what to do in emergencies that affect a large area, such as mudslides and snow storms.

Pre-loaded content ensures guidance from Red Cross experts is available even without mobile connectivity.

The home fires section provides information on how to prevent fires, protect loved ones and what to do after a fire occurs.

“Family Safe” is another unique feature that allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay, even if that person hasn’t downloaded the Emergency App. Using “Family Safe,” the user can send someone a message and their response of either “I’m safe” or “I’m not safe” will come to the user. If they are not safe, the user can call them or see their location on a map. The app also has an “I’m Safe” button which allows users to let loved ones know they are out of harm’s way.

Users who have downloaded other Red Cross apps will still be able to use those individual versions if they prefer.

While apps can help prepare someone for disasters, it’s important to remember that downloading any of the Red Cross apps is not a substitute for training. To learn more about or register for Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED courses, visit redcross.org/TakeA.